Modifying the Chart Area, Plot Area, and Gridlines

The chart area is the background of the sheet on which the chart is drawn. The plot area is the background of the chart itself, inside the axes. The gridlines are lines in the plot area denoting major values along the axes.

Figure 14.17. The chart area, plot area, and gridlines.

2.

In the Format Chart Area dialog box, click the Patterns tab and enter new settings to change the border surrounding the chart area, its color, and any fill effects, such as gradient, texture, or even using a picture for the chart area.

3.

Click the Font tab and enter new settings to change the font characteristics of the axis labels, legend, and chart title.